George Zimmerman trial: Where's WKMG-Channel 6's Tony Pipitone?

Hal BoedekerStaff writer

UPDATED: Viewers of the George Zimmerman trial were wondering Friday why WKMG-Channel 6's Tony Pipitone wasn't in the courtroom. Veteran reporter Pipitone has been a familiar presence in the court, and he has won many fans with his insights from the courtroom.

What happened?

WKMG was banned from the building, said Rachel Cosgrove, deputy courthouse public information officer.

The reason?

"The WKMG helicopter followed and possibly filmed jurors from the courthouse to their destination yesterday. Their courtroom credentials have been revoked while this matter is under review," said Michelle Kennedy, court services administrator/PIO.

WKMG General Manager Skip Valet said it was all a misunderstanding. "Someone thought we were taking pictures of the jurors. We were not," he said in an email. "We are working with the court to resolve this misunderstanding."

On Friday, a Tampa station was in WKMG's seat.

Pipitone could be seen reporting Friday from the station's spot in the media village in Sanford.